Overcoming soft skills to essential skills: Preparing for the projected AI-propelled job extinction
In the rapidly evolving world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global workforce, bringing both opportunities and challenges. According to Maha Hosain Aziz, a professor at New York University, the world rarely considers the broader social consequences of AI disruption.
AI cannot replicate the interpersonal and cultural skills that are essential in markets such as the UAE, as noted by Nevin Lewis, chief executive at Black & Grey HR. Roles like sales managers, client relationship leaders, hospital administrators, school principals, and project directors rely heavily on empathy and cultural awareness, and cannot be replaced by AI.
In the retail sector, an e-commerce manager who can use AI to predict customer demand while maintaining a human-centered shopping experience is valued. Similarly, in banking, a compliance officer who uses AI fraud detection alerts but still applies judgment before escalating is desired.
As AI technology evolves, it could displace millions of workers and potentially lead to a loss of income, sense of purpose, and identity. According to Bronwyn Williams, the "job apocalypse" is already underway, especially among entry-level jobs. She also mentioned that many traditional salaried jobs are likely to disappear, but a new "value economy" is emerging where people are rewarded for the unique contributions they can offer.
The concept of "Precariat Labs," where governments, companies, and civil society can test interventions for people at risk of AI-driven job losses, including retraining and mental health support, was developed by the organization New World of Work and the researcher Edmond P. Cahn.
Ms. Williams noted that middle-class workers in developed countries are most at risk, while professionals in less wealthy regions could gain new opportunities. She added that in today's global economy, education or social status alone is not enough to protect a job, because technology allows similar work to be done elsewhere at a lower cost.
Karuna Agarwal from Future Tense HR stated that the responsibility to prepare for the AI age starts with education. She emphasized the importance of developing employees' AI fluency and data literacy. Nevin Lewis also highlighted this, stating that educational systems should focus on building key skills, including a combination of soft skills and digital skills, in students who are the future professionals.
By 2030, the world could see the rise of artificial general intelligence capable of most cognitive tasks. As AI technology advances, it is crucial to address the potential job displacement and to prepare the workforce for the AI-driven future. The development of Precariat Labs could be a significant step towards this goal, providing interventions for those at risk of AI-driven job loss.
